Wines of Molise Featured In Live-Stream From Italy

By Nancy DeSanti, 1st Vice President — Programs

Although we were not able to meet in person at Casa Italiana for our annual wine-tasting due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were together virtually for what turned out to be a joyful and informative event. We were fortunate to have Stephen Yanuck and his partner Beth Dahlburg as our guides to lead us not only in a discussion of wines from Molise, but also to arrange a live-stream from Italy with Antonio Valerio of Campi Valerio in Monteroduni, Molise. Their enthusiasm and knowledge made for a delightful afternoon.

Stephen Yanuck and Beth Dahlburg led the discussion on the selected wines from Molise.

Our host, Stephen Yanuck, has conducted educational wine-themed lectures since 2018. Both Stephen and Beth have received certificates in wine education and are continuing their education and studies of the vines. Since March 2020, they have held monthly streaming tasting lectures. Their passion for wine and desire to bring good vibes to the world helped them become a 2020 Wine Spectator video competition finalist. You will find some very interesting information on their Veni Vini Amici website veniviniamici.com. At the beginning of the event, we watched a video of beautiful scenes of Molise, and by the end, I think many of us were ready to hop on a plane (if we only could!). Stephen and Beth went on to discuss three of the Campi Valerio vineyard’s outstanding wines:

• 2019 Fannia Falanghina del Molise

• 2016 Calidio Rosso del Molise

• 2016 Sannazzaro del Molise Riserva

Stephen commented that he couldn’t believe the wonderful quality of the wines at such a reasonable price. The Italian portion of the event was livestreamed from Monteroduni, where Antonio Valerio’s family has been making wine since 1836. Along with the 14 hectares of vineyards in Monteroduni, the family cultivates olive groves, as well as raises cattle and sheep. Antonio commented that he knows “only” about 2,000 words in English, and so he spoke to us in Italian with an English interpreter on hand, but he definitely managed to convey his passion for the land and for making wine. He told us that he left Molise for a time to study to become an architect. Stephen commented that many people who are interested in wine come from a background in engineering or architecture and they bring with them a background of meticulous attention to detail (Stephen and Beth both have scientific backgrounds and work at the Commerce Department’s U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).

Antonio agreed, comparing a building to a bottle of wine. Naturally Antonio’s return to Molise helped to enrich the local economy through his wine-making. With 60% of production being exported, his focus has been on quality and bringing an authentic return to native grape varietals and classic viticulture techniques. Antonio was asked how his wine gets on shelves, and he joked, “on airplanes.” Actually, he said he has flown with some of his wine on planes to its destination

Stephen noted that in starting a vineyard there, a search must be done to make sure there is no interference with archaeological ruins  — an obstacle that not all vineyards have to deal with, for sure. In fact, one artifact discovered in Molise is now kept in the Louvre in Paris. Antonio explained that he is going to use amphora-style vessels instead of oak — one of their innovations, and yet going back to an ancient technique. Antonio talked more broadly about the rich history and beauty of the region, noting that it has everything from beaches to skiing in the Apennines.

He described this land as “a place that must be cared for with heart and soul,” and he has been leading a renaissance in wine from Molise. Antonio was pleased to hear of local connections with some of our members, through Maria D’Andrea-Yother’s father Lucio who is from nearby Roccamondalfi and Alfred DelGrosso’s cousin Giuseppe D’Andrea (no relation). Antonio noted that he has family members named D’Andrea, which is a common name in the region. As Stephen pointed out, this was an example of wine connecting people. At the end of the event, there were two breakout sessions when we all had an opportunity to ask questions of Stephen or Antonio, who took questions in Italian or English. A big thank you to AMHS Board Member Chris Renneker, who put us in touch with our speaker, Stephen Yanuck, to Maria D’Andrea-Yothers who did so much to help organize this event, and to Peter Bell for doing the hosting honors. And grazie mille to Antonio Valerio and his wonderful interpreter, Lucia. ❚